EYESHENZHEN  /   Art

Peridot gemstones shine at Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen

Writer: Cao Zhen  |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2022-08-22

An exhibition featuring peridot, from its basic form of the olivine mineral to the glorious form of polished gemstones, is being held at the Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen in Luohu District, showcasing the shining mineral’s unique charm.

The entrance to the “Peridot: The Gift of Hope — The Past, Present and Future” exhibition at the Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen. 

                                                                                                                                                                                           Photos by Cao Zhen

Olivine is a magnesium iron silicate, formed in molten rock in the upper mantle and brought to the surface by the tremendous forces of earthquakes and volcanoes. While some olivine was born on the earth, some has extraterrestrial origins, found in meteorites.

Peridot, sometimes called chrysolite, is gem-quality olivine and considered as the birthstone for August. Its green color is dependent on the iron content within the structure of the gem. Peridot, in shades of olive, is one of the few gemstones that form in only one color.

A pair of earrings with peridot gemstones.

Beautifully faceted, it evokes the lateness of summer and the onset of fall, as leaves morph from green to gold and hang like jewels in the sunlight. Associated with the sun, peridot has been prized since the earliest civilizations for its protective powers to drive away the forces of darkness. The ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” and believed it had special healing powers.

A necklace embedded with a peridot gemstone.

Over thousands of years, peridot has made its way to royal palaces and fashion houses. This glittering gemstone is encouraging a new generation of designers to recreate its vitality and splendor and inject dynamism into today’s fashion trend.

In addition to the peridot exhibition, visitors can also explore the Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen’s other halls where there are five permanent exhibition areas: “Treasures of Nature,” “The Legend of Jewelry,” “The Light of Design,” “The Road of Shenzhen” and “The Dream of GBA.”

Various natural gems, precious metals, jewelry designs and interactive videos let visitors embark on an immersive journey to appreciate the exquisite works and find out stories behind the natural gemstones and the stunning crafts.

Pearls are on display at the Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen’s other exhibition halls.

Located in the Shuibei area of Luohu District, the museum focuses on jewelry design and crafts. With manufacturing, design and sales enterprises, Shuibei is the country’s No. 1 gathering place for the gold and jewelry wholesale business.

“The Road of Shenzhen” and “The Dream of GBA” in the museum showcase the jewelry industry development and achievements in Shenzhen and in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.


Dates: Until Oct. 9

Tickets: Free

Booking: WeChat miniprogram “宝博票务预约”

Venue: Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen, 3-4/F, Gold Plaza, Luohu District (罗湖区金展珠宝广场三四楼深圳珠宝博物馆)

Metro: Line 3 or 7 to Tianbei Station (田贝站), Exit F